As my watch collecting journey has progressed over the last decade, an unusual side shoot has also naturally manifested itself into the foundation of my hobby – and that happens to be the hoarding of various watch enthusiast books. Today we’ll take a look at what I believe to be some of the best watch books that you should have on your shelf or sitting on your coffee table. Some of which are more entertainment oriented with illustrious images of hand crafted movements, and some that are more informational or documentary focused.
There should be a book on this list for everyone, although I wouldn’t dissuade the idea of owning all of them as they’re all quite different from each other.
The Watch Book – Rolex
Naturally, as a Rolex enthusiast, the very first watch book I purchased is the ultra popular “The Watch Book – Rolex” by Gisbert L. Brunner. As the titles suggests this is quite obviously a Rolex only focused book, diving deep into the historical references of nearly all our favorite modern Rolex watches. Not only does the book cover the intricacies of some of the most popular models ever created, such as the Daytona and Submariner, but it also explains the evolution of Rolex as a brand. The book divulges many of Rolex’s struggles since its founding by Hans Wilsdorf, as well as some of its industry transforming innovations such as the iconic date bubble.
If you own a Rolex, or if you’re simply an aspiring collector, this is a must have book not only for its unique and inspiring information but also for some of its unique images of old vintage watches.
A Man & His Watch
This is one of my favorite books, and it had me sitting down at the cottage for an extended period of time as I read it from cover to cover. Unlike the rest of the books on this list, “A Man & His watch” by Matt Hranek is all about the stories and emotional connections that people make with their watches.
As we all know, the fun of being a watch collector is not only about the craftsmanship and brand of the watch, but it’s also about the wearers memories and emotions while wearing the watch. It’s easy to relate with this book since you’ve most likely also created personal memories with your watches, as you wear them daily, or travel to new countries with them – as I have with nearly my entire collection.
This is a book that pulls you in to continue reading more, as the stories are short, concise, and rather intriguing. The book goes into detail of notable figures and their watches such as Paul Newman and Ralph Lauren, it’s fascinating to hear their personal connections and how they’re actually quite similar to our own.
The Connoisseur’s Guide To Fine Timepieces
This book here is extravagant in three sectors; its construction as a large hardcover coffee table book with an outer sleeve, its stunning full color imagery of some of the most incredible high horology watches out there, and its very detailed and technically written explanations of movements – designs and their combined workings. This book is created in collaboration with renowned printing house Assouline and European Watch Company, headed by father son duo Albert and Joshua Ganjei.
The book goes into great detail of over 150 different watches, from modern designs to iconic vintage watches, essentially anything that has been outstanding within the entire history of the watch industry is showcased in this book. There is great focus on unique high horology watches with intricate functions like the Tourbillon and metal work hand finishing techniques.
Timeless Classics
While not as extravagant as the above mentioned book from Assouline, this new edition Timeless Classics authored by Steve Huyton is actually quite similar in its theme and style. The book has a strong focus on dressier classic watches, and rare watches again focusing on the intricacies like the design, innovation, and craftsmanship of certain wondrous watches.
The book features some pretty fantastic imagery as well, which I’d consider to be more on the 3D processed end of the spectrum rather than artistic or vintage such as the images found in The Rolex Book. This book is a little less geared towards specific collectors and more so towards the mass of watch enthusiasts who just want something enjoyable and perhaps more digestible for guests or newcomers to the hobby. The hardcover book itself is also more classically proportioned for a perfect fit on a coffee table without being overly large.
Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Watch that Unlocked the Deep
I own all the books on this list, except for this new release by watch industry author and journalist Nicholas Foulkes. I wanted to include this book because it’s making some serious waves within the watch community with its official release also being in collaboration with Rolex.
Rolex is exceedingly careful with who they partner with, so even though I haven’t read this book yet I have full confidence it’s going to deliver. The one caveat here? As you’ve probably guessed from its title, this book focuses on the one and only Rolex Submariner, arguably the most popular and iconic watch in the world. As a Submariner 114060 owner I’ve convinced myself that I also need to own this book, and so a pre-order has been placed and I’m excited to have a read once it arrives.
It seems as though some people may have already received early editions of the book, and they’re already praising it as a must have if you’re a Rolex lover. This book will go into the nitty gritty of nearly all editions of the Submariner, from its drawn out evolution to its technical milestones and its cultural legacy.
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